Chapter 416: This is a trial

Qing Mingzi smiled slightly, walked up to them, and said, "Not bad, you two have made great progress in your training during this period."

He looked at Lu Yuan and Gu Qingwan with a hint of praise.

Lu Yuan felt grateful, bowed, and said, "Thank you for the praise, Master."

Qing Mingzi nodded noncommittally, "Your tacit cooperation has been getting better and better."

He glanced at the recently defeated Lan Yu, "But don't get carried away; the path of cultivation has no end."

Gu Qingwan lowered her head slightly and said, "Disciple understands."

She knew clearly that in this cruel cultivation world, before strength, no one can afford to be careless.

Qing Mingzi turned and said to them, "Next, I have arranged a trial on the Profound Ice Platform."

"You must use your recent performance as a basis, cooperate with each other in this setting, and complete the assigned task."

Lu Yuan and Gu Qingwan exchanged a glance, knowing this was Qing Mingzi's expectation of them.

They nodded silently, indicating they would give their all to complete the task.

On the Profound Ice Platform, wind and snow howled past, a vast expanse of desolation and cold.

Lu Yuan and Gu Qingwan stood on the platform, their minds focused.

"Begin!" Qing Mingzi's voice rang out.

In an instant, countless ice spears flew up around the Profound Ice Platform.

Lu Yuan leapt aside, his Void-Piercing Sword flashing like lightning across the sky, shattering all the ice spears that attacked him.

Gu Qingwan's form was agile, she stepped lightly in the air to dodge each pitfall.

She condensed a ball of flame in her palms, which rolled and jumped between her hands.

The two cooperated seamlessly, completing the task with perfect tacit understanding.

Lu Yuan suddenly noticed a treasure chest glowing with spiritual light appearing on the other side of the Profound Ice Platform.

"Senior Sister Gu! I'll get that treasure chest!" Lu Yuan shouted loudly.

Gu Qingwan nodded, pointed with a gesture, and the flame in her palm turned into a fire dragon that rushed toward Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan's form was like lightning, he broke through the encirclement of ice spears and traps, quickly approaching the treasure chest.

Just then, a sword light streaked from the horizon, the Void-Piercing Sword striking the treasure chest dead-on.

The treasure chest was instantly shattered into several fragments.

Lu Yuan stopped his steps, warily scanning his surroundings.

He felt somewhat surprised that the Void-Piercing Sword would appear at this moment.

He secretly pondered whether this was a coincidence or meant something.

Just then, Qing Mingzi, the Supreme Dao Ancestor, and the Vast Heaven Daoist walked to the edge of the Profound Ice Platform.

They directed inquisitive glances at Lu Yuan.

"Indeed, it is the Void-Piercing Sword!"

The Supreme Dao Ancestor murmured, "It seems this trial still contains a deeper level of examination."

The Vast Heaven Daoist smiled at Lu Yuan, "You two have a chance to enter the Hall of Lofty Heavens."

His voice was low and mysterious.

Upon hearing these words, Lu Yuan's heart filled with anticipation and challenge.

"We will surely not disappoint everyone's expectations." He made a firm resolution.

Gu Qingwan also showed a determined expression, "We will definitely bring glory to the sect."

Qing Mingzi nodded satisfied, then gestured for the two to continue their training.

Lu Yuan and Gu Qingwan returned to the platform again, nodded to each other. Lu Yuan stopped his steps, noticing Long Qi intently studying a white scroll in a corner of the Profound Ice Platform.

That scroll emitted a faint white light, as if it contained unimaginable power.

Feeling strong curiosity, Lu Yuan approached Long Qi and asked, "Senior Brother, may I ask what scroll this is?"

"I have sensed a powerful fluctuation of divine soul."

Long Qi raised his head, smiling at Lu Yuan, "This is a secret manual on the Spirit Origin Ice Technique."

He handed the scroll to Lu Yuan, "You possess an ice spirit physique; this technique will surely be of great help to you."

Lu Yuan received the scroll and examined it carefully in his hands.

The scroll was inscribed with exquisite ancient characters, each exuding a mysterious and tranquil aura.

"Then what special qualities does this technique have?" Lu Yuan asked curiously.

Long Qi pondered for a moment and said, "The Spirit Origin Ice Technique can condense powerful ice-element force, giving a great advantage in battle."

"Moreover, according to hearsay, this technique is partly related to the ice deity of the Xian Jie, making it an extremely rare cultivation path."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan's heart surged with excitement.

He had always longed for greater strength, and this scroll before him seemed to offer such an opportunity. Lu Yuan left the Profound Ice Platform, where Gu Qingwan was waiting outside.

Seeing the white scroll in Lu Yuan's hand, Gu Qingwan curiously asked, "Lu Yuan, what is that?"

"It looks quite special."

Lu Yuan smiled and handed the scroll to Gu Qingwan, explaining, "This is the Spirit Origin Ice Technique manual; it can condense powerful ice-element power."

"For me, this is truly an opportunity."

Gu Qingwan received the scroll and carefully examined the text on it.

She could also sense the mysterious power contained within.

After a moment's thought, she turned to Lu Yuan and said, "This technique is extraordinary, but we must act with caution."

"When receiving resources, we must stay low-key and avoid conflicts with other cultivators."

Lu Yuan nodded in agreement: "Yes, we cannot let others discover that we possess such precious cultivation resources."

We need to devise a plan to acquire as many resources as possible while staying low-profile.

The two began to discuss the next plan.

They decided to first observe other cultivators' actions and look for a place suitable for their cultivation.

They all knew that in this unfamiliar and fiercely competitive environment, only by staying vigilant and cautious could they gain more opportunities.

"We need to find a quiet place to cultivate, to avoid unnecessary trouble." Gu Qingwan proposed.

She explained to Lu Yuan that she had some experience in the cultivation world before, and understood the importance of staying low-profile in such a special environment.

Lu Yuan nodded in agreement: "Exactly, we cannot easily expose ourselves."

"I also learned similar lessons from my master. We must always stay vigilant."

The two decided to seek a secluded, sparsely populated place to cultivate, and patiently wait for the right moment.

They understood that in this cultivation world filled with competition and danger, only through their own effort and wisdom could they gain more opportunities. Lu Yuan sat on the floor of the cultivation chamber, intently staring at the scroll in his hand.

Su Liyan and Gu Qingwan sat beside him, one side observing the talismans engraved on the scroll, the other side giving him guidance and help.

Lu Yuan furrowed his brow slightly, feeling that these talismans were truly complex and hard to comprehend.

He decided to try practicing the most basic part of them.

"Lu Yuan, you should start practicing from this section."

Su Liyan pointed at a specific rune on the scroll and said: "This is one of the core teachings of the Spirit Origin Ice Technique."

Lu Yuan examined it carefully, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "I understand; I will focus my spirit to practice this part." (End of chapter)